Social Media Policy.
Latest update: 20/10/2025
1. Purpose
This policy sets out how St John the Evangelist, Upper Norwood (SJUN) uses social media responsibly, safely, and in accordance with UK law, including data protection and safeguarding requirements. It ensures our online presence reflects our mission, values, and community spirit.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
PCC members, staff, and volunteers managing official church social media accounts.
Any posts, comments, or media content published on the church’s Facebook, Instagram, and X/Twitter accounts.
Interactions with followers, including messages, comments, and tagging.
3. Official Accounts
Facebook: facebook.com/stjohnsuppernorwood
Instagram: instagram.com/stjohnsuppernorwood
X/Twitter: twitter.com/StJohnsSE19
Only the PCC and the Communications Team may post content on these accounts. Personal accounts may not post content claiming to represent SJUN without approval.
4. Content Guidelines
All content must align with the church’s values, mission, and safeguarding standards.
Posts should be accurate, respectful, and avoid political bias or offensive material.
Images or videos of individuals, including children or youth, require explicit oral or written consent before posting.
Copyright must be respected; only use media you own or are licensed to use.
5. Comment and Message Management
Comments and messages are welcome and will be monitored regularly.
Offensive, harmful, or spam content may be removed.
Complaints or sensitive issues should be escalated immediately to the Church Wardens or PCC Communications Team.
6. Safeguarding and Privacy
Follow GDPR and UK data protection laws in all social media activity.
Do not share personal data without consent.
All content involving children or vulnerable adults must comply with safeguarding procedures.
7. Crisis and Issue Handling
Any misuse of accounts, harmful posts, or social media complaints must be reported to Church Wardens or/and the PCC Communications Team immediately.
The Team will coordinate a response in line with safeguarding and legal requirements.
8. Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes to law, technology, or church practice.